Anna Gülcher
PhD researcher at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics group, ETH Zürich
I study geodynamic processes of planetary interiors across the scales, using computational techniques (numerical models). My scientific interest lies in putting observations from geophysics, space, geology, and geo/cosmo-chemistry in a physics-based framework. My research focuses on – but is not restricted to – the interior mantle evolution of rocky planets and the tectonic expressions of such dynamic processes at the surface (in particular for Earth and Venus).
I have developed a passion for project management, (science) communication, and diversity, with a performance history record of management, leadership, and communication skills. This is reflected in many volunteering roles, such as in the Geodynamics Division (GD) of the European Geosciences Union. I aim to contribute to a more open, diverse, and inclusive community for scientists.
- Institute of Geophysics, NO H25,
- ETH Zürich, Sonneggstrasse 5,
- 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- Geodynamics
- Numerical modelling
- Planetary tectonics
- Mantle convection
- Rocky planets
- Project management
- Organisation and leadership
- Science communication and outreach
- Diversity and equity
- Education
Find out more
Outreach articles, other forms of science communication, and organisational responsibilities
Experience
Education and employment
- PhD researcher, 2018 - present
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich)
Thesis: Shaping Earth’s mantle flow through compositional and rheological heterogeneity in the lower mantle
- MSc in Geophysics, 2016 - 2018
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich)
Thesis: Plume penetration into Venusian lithosphere and the origin of coronae: inferences from 3D therm-mechanical modelling
- BSc in Earth Sciences, 2013-2016
Utrecht University, the Netherlands
Thesis: Obtaining a high resolution geomagnetic field intensity curve for the Azores region, the IZZI-Thellier approach
Main achievements
- Written six first-authored papers and contributed to four book chapters, to scientific software, and to several scientific outreach communications
- Proposed widespread recent mantle plume activity on Venus through integration of numerical modelling results with planetary mission data
- Developed key scenarios for the long-term evolution of Earth’s mantle, with major implications for our planet’s history
- Present the first global-scale mantle convection models including a new strain-dependent rheology in the lower mantle
- Accommodating scientific discussions in the form of conference/ workshop organisation and session convening
Awards and grants
EGU OSPP award 2019
Outstanding Student Poster Presentation award at the EGU General Assembly, Geodynamics division (May 2019)
ETH thesis medaille 2018
Award for the best Master’s thesis in the Department of Earth Sciences at ETH Zürich (October 2018)
ETH Master scholarship
Excellence Master Scholarship for my full MSc program at ETH Zürich (2016-2018)
Molengraaff Fonds 2016
TU Delft Fund for carrying out paleomagnetic fieldwork for my BSc thesis project in the Azores (May 2016)